How to Grow Gardenias in Texas

Named after a South Carolina colonial physician, gardenias are in the Rubiaceae family and are native to China and Japan. Gardenias are a popular landscaping plant in the south, and make a wonderful addition to any Texas garden. If they are planted in full sun, gardenias can grow up to 6 feet. Gardenias prefer temperatures between 68 and 74 degrees F, and they enjoy high humidity areas, but dry climates can support gardenias if the plants are regularly watered.

Things You'll Need

Gardenia plant

Dig a hole that is the depth of the root ball and twice as wide.

Place the plant in the hole, but keep the crown a little above the top of the hole.

Add half of the soil back into the hole and push the soil around the plant and into the ground, to eliminate air pockets.

Water the hole very well and let the water drain completely away from the hole.

Fill the rest of the hole with the remaining soil and tamp it down to eliminate air holes.

Water the plant thoroughly.

Water gardenias once per week. At least 1 inch of water is required each week.